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Statement by Minister of State Michelle Müntefering prior to her visit to Eritrea and Ethiopia
Minister of State Michelle Müntefering issued the following statement today (24 January ) prior to her departure for Asmara:
We are currently observing an unforeseen political transformation in the Horn of Africa. The peace process that has now been launched between Ethiopia and Eritrea harbours vast potential for the entire region. We intend to continue to support this process.
In my talks in Eritrea I want to encourage our partners to seize the opportunities offered by this development. That applies particularly to cooperation on human rights issues and in the area of culture, but also to economic reform and investment. In Ethiopia I am looking forward to exchanging views with cultural and civil society representatives, who play a crucial role in creating an open society.
Background information:
Minister of State for International Cultural Policy at the Federal Foreign Office Michelle Müntefering is visiting Eritrea and Ethiopia from 24 to 29 January. In Eritrea, meetings with government and civil society representatives are planned. The Minister of State also intends to visit projects run by German non governmental organisations.
During her visit to Ethiopia, the Minister of State will meet various representatives of culture and civil society as well as locally based players active in international cultural policy, among others. She will then join the delegation of the Federal President, who will be touring the country.